More Bluffing Strategy

Bluffing is one of the fundamental areas of any poker game. It is also one of the most difficult to master. If you do not bluff, you will not become a successful poker player. It is often a scary and nerve racking experience, but equally exciting and gratifying when you pull it off.

Some poker pros claim that pulling off a good bluff is like telling a good fictional story; it has to be believable. It is also an art form, carefully measuring up your opponents and striking at the opportune moment. Bluffing in limit games is also a lot more difficult than in no limit formats. As an opponent is far more likely call a single extra bet than a mountain of chips of a no limit bluff. In essence your opponent will need far bigger balls to call your no limit bluffs — that is if you bluff sparingly and correctly.

Table Position
If at this point you don’t know what table position is or haven’t read our table position article, I suggest you do so now. Table position is a key element in bluffing. Your position at the table will greatly determine your ability to make the other players fold.
If your in early position, you have little information to consider before you act.

Ie. Your holding AJ and push a preflop raise, left of the blinds and first to bet. 3 other players remain and the flop turns 3, 8, 4. You bluff big: you make a big bluff, close to ¾ of the pot. Two fold and one calls. The caller likely has something. You are now in a weak position in relation to them

If you are seated in a late position however; you can observe your opponents check and then bluff, forcing them to call if they wish to see the next card. This is effectively controlling the betting.

The Failing Bluff
Sometimes you will be called on your bluff. At this point you have two choices come next betting round. You can either raise the bluff. IE if you bet 400 the first time, push 1200 the second time. Or you can cut your losses, check or fold to your opponent if they bet. Deciding whether or not to push the bluff further can be tricky. If your opponent is a calling station (will call all the time) this is probably not a good idea. However if you assume they have a weak hand. Then by all means push the bluff harder, make them fold and take the pot.